Lotus Group Area in IL -- Campground & RV Camping

Lotus Group Area sits on the eastern shore of 26,000-acre Carlyle Lake within the Coles Creek Recreation Area. Designed for a single group of up to 80 people, the secluded facility contains 10 full-service campsites, a comfort station, and an on-site playground. A short walk leads to Coles Creek Beach, day-use areas, boat ramps, and courtesy docks. The reservoir supports year-round fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie, alongside sailing and water sports. A multi-use biking and walking trail and six wildlife viewing towers are located nearby around the lake.

Getting there: From I-57, take Old U.S. Highway 50 west for 19 miles, through Salem, Odin and Sandoval. Turn north on Boulder Road/2400E. After 4 miles turn east on 1700N and continue until the road connects with 2400E. Continue south and turn right just before reaching the Coles Creek entrance road. Proceed north to Lotus Group Area.

• Well separated here, a single-site campground with the nearest through road 1.0 miles off.
• Sits on broad, near-level ground.
• The Carlyle Reservoir shoreline is 0.2 mi off.
• Open country, with nothing named rising within 30 miles.
• A group campground, with most of them shaded.
• Estimated night sky: Bortle 3, a dark rural sky.